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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » Vegetable Crops Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #374221
Research Project: Trait Discovery, Genetics, and Enhancement of Allium, Cucumis, and Daucus Germplasm

Location: Vegetable Crops Research

Title: Carrots and related Apiaceae crops, 2nd edition

Author
item GEOFFRIAU, EMMANUEL - Inland Northwest Research Alliance, Inra
item Simon, Philipp

Submitted to: Complete Book
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/19/2020
Publication Date: 1/17/2021
Citation: Geoffriau, E., Simon, P.W. (editors). 2021. Carrots and related Apiaceae crops, 2nd edition. Boston: CAB International. 346 p.

Interpretive Summary: The Apiaceae plant family includes vegetables crops such as carrots, celery, arracacha, parsley, and parsnips; as well as spices such as cilantro, cumin, fennel, caraway, and dill. This plant family contributes significant nutrients from carrots, the richest crop source of vitamin A in the US diet, and also nutrients and diverse flavors from other vegetables and spices. While Apiaceaous crops primarily originated in the Mediterranean, they are grown widely globally today. The production, chemistry, botany, taxonomy of diverse Apiaeae crops are reviewed in this book which is of interest for plant geneticists and biologists, plant breeders, vegetable seed companies and growers, nutritionists, and students.

Technical Abstract: The Apiaceae family of plants includes about 250 genera and 2800 species. The Apiaceae were familiar to prehistoric cultures because of their distinctive chemistry, reflected in odor, flavor, esculence, or toxicity and the global familiarity and appreciation of this notable plant family continues today. The diversity of flavor and organoleptic quality is what attracts global connoisseurs to apply the Apiaceae to distinctive cuisines that have come to typify foods as ‘Mexican’ or ‘Indian’, for example, and delight consumers of all nations. Most Apiaceous crops originate from the Mediterranean area and are produced and used worldwide. Per capita production of carrots, by far the most widely grown member of this plant family, and other crops of the Apiaceae has more than kept up with a growing global population with both total production and per capita production rising, especially in Asia.